From leftovers to unused ingredients, the festive spirit sometimes leads to over-purchasing and under-utilization. Here’s how you can make a positive impact by reducing food waste in your home this holiday season—and beyond!

‍1. Plan Your Meals

‍Before you shop, plan your meals carefully. Take stock of what you already have in your pantry and fridge, and create a shopping list that reflects exactly what you need. This will help you avoid buying duplicate items or things you won’t use.

‍2. Use Your Leftovers Creatively

‍Holiday leftovers don’t have to be boring! Transform extra vegetables into hearty soups, turkey into delicious sandwiches, or mashed potatoes into crispy patties. Think of leftovers as an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen.

‍3. Store Food Properly

‍Extend the life of your food by storing it correctly. Use airtight containers for perishables, freeze items you won’t use right away, and make sure your fridge is set to the right temperature (around 4°C).

‍4. Embrace "Imperfect" Produce

‍Don’t shy away from fruits and vegetables that aren’t picture-perfect. They taste just as good and are often wasted simply due to cosmetic imperfections.

‍5. Compost What You Can’t Use

‍Even with the best efforts, some waste is inevitable. Start a compost bin for scraps like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. This helps reduce landfill waste and can nourish your garden.

‍6. Share the Abundance

‍If you’ve overestimated how much food you’ll need, consider donating excess non-perishable items to a local food bank or sharing leftovers with friends, family, or neighbors.

‍Why It Matters

‍Reducing food waste is good for your wallet, your community, and the planet. It saves resources used in food production and helps combat climate change by reducing methane emissions from food waste in landfills.This holiday season, let’s be mindful about how we consume and celebrate sustainably. Small changes can make a big difference!

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Original Language: English